Every day the sun is shining we make sure this quilt is laid out on the south side of our front porch (backside up to prevent the sun from bleaching the front of the quilt). We've been doing this since Thanksgiving, and I think it may be aired out sufficiently now.
This quilt was found stored in Aunt Bunny's closet inside a large metal container...along with lots of mothballs! We have been researching how to air out, clean, and remove the chemical smell from an old quilt.
The information found so far discourages washing old quilts for fear of dyes running and also fear of the fragile fabric being destroyed. However, there was a section about washing...if you just hafta! I think I was encouraged by this section because I just can't see snuggling under a quilt or even hanging it over the back of a sofa knowing it was in contact with mothballs for years. I think it has to be carefully washed to be safe, and we will follow all the instructions here and vacuum it first.
The story behind this antique quilt? We have no idea. There are no records indicating who it belonged to...Aunt Bunny's mother or her grandmother? Who made it? And when?
As you can see, it's made in one of the Log Cabin variation patterns. I would love to know everything about it, but I don't think there's anyone to ask.
Our next step is to place it in the bathtub and let it soak in gentle laundry soap for a few days, swishing it occasionally. We'll dry it the way the article describes, and hopefully the quilt will be clean-smelling and still in great condition when all is finished!
Any experiences anyone has to share on caring for antique quilts?
~Deb
